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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/02/1990 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH C Motion Ayes Item No. 3 arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission October 2, 1990 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Ex- Officio Member Present: R o n a l d A ! Whitley Staff Present: Nancy Beard, Recreation Superintendent Jack Brooks, Park and Tree Maintenance Superintendent Dottie Flohr, Secretary I PROCEDURAL MATTERS Item 01 - Call to Order all to Orde The meeting of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. Item 42 - Roll Call oll Call Roll call was taken. Commissioners Compton, Demmer, Grant, Herberts, Konwiser, Taft and Vandervort were present. Item #3 - Approval of Minutes Meetinc of Ipproval, of September 4, 1990 inu.tes x Commissioner Herberts moved the minutes of the x x x x x x x September 4, 1990 meeting be approved. Unanimous. Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda Adoption of The agenda was adopted as presented with the Agenda addition of Dedicated Plaques under Item #8 and North Star Beach under Item #17. II. ACTION ITEMS Item #5 - Analysis of Ambient Light from Lincoln Athletic Center Analysis of Ambient Ligh Chair Grant turned the meeting over to From Lincoln Athletic Director Whitley who referred to the history Center CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 2 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX of the subject project which is covered in the report submitted. After refurbishment of the facility, candlepower was increased as one of the objectives to provide better lighting. However, this has caused problems in the adjacent neighborhood. A third consultant, RWR Pascoe, Electrical Engineers, recently completed an investigation and report, and their representative is present to answer any questions. Chair Grant opened the meeting to Public Hearing and Dr. Robert Pike, 3 Monterey Circle, addressed the Commission on behalf of Spyglass Hills Community Association. Dr. Pike expressed their appreciation for the Commission's concern on the lighting problems and stated they would prefer to follow the ( consultant's recommendations as presented in his report as well as implementing reasonable hours for usage. He reported that in the past lights have been poorly managed and have occasionally. been on until 11:00 P.M. In , addition, he felt they were installed with no regard to views and his home is like having high beams directed at every room. He stated it was his understanding that the original goal was to make the field fit for softball, however, during the process consideration was not given to nearby residents. Commissioner Herberts commented that when she visited 1907 Yacht Enchantress, which is i adjacent to Spyglass Hills., it was also affected by the lights. In response to a question by Commissioner Compton, Dr. Pike explained that all the poles are a problem, however, the side closer to San Miguel has less impact. Mr. George Havriluk, 27 Point Loma, addressed the Commission on behalf of club soccer and softball. He urged a compromise be reached so the fields can remain open for these activities. Dr. Jack Ericksmoen, 3601 Blue Key, addressed CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX the Commission on behalf of AYSO Region 57. He reported that if the lighting were withdrawn, it would have a. devastating effect on the 900 children who live in the area. He stated their group does not play at night but uses the field for practice in the early evening, and that Club Soccer uses the lighted fields afterwards. In response to a question by Commissioner Compton, Director Whitley explained that reconfiguring the fields and not changing the lights would not help the homeowners. Dr. Robert Pike, 3 Monterey Circle, addressed the Commission and pointed out he is not against sports. He feels the problems are with the ball fields when the lights are turned up and not the soccer program. Director Whitley explained that the field was originally lighted in 1974 specifically for baseball and that the pole height is the same . and in the same general location. Mr. Ralph Raya„ consultant representing RWR Pascoe Engineering, addressed the Commission. He reported they were contacted to identify the lighting problems and offer solutions which are provided in their report. During his review he pointed out that lights which are required for softball are not the same as those needed for soccer. When the soccer fields were reoriented further away, the light fixtures were aimed at a higher angle creating an ambient light in the sky which is what the Spyglass Hills homeowners are seeing. He reported the initial intent was to light the ball field and the lights were properly designed for this, however, they are wrong for the soccer fields. His recommendation would first be to re -aim the existing problem light fixtures. If there is not sufficient candlepower and the glare is not eliminated, he suggested the soccer fields be reoriented to the original design layout and the lighting products and fixtures be re- evaluated. Should the latter not solve the problem, then high CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX pressure sodium lamps should be considered. There being-no further Public Testimony, Chair Grant closed the meeting. to Public Hearing,. Motion x Commissioner Compton moved to accept the Ayes x x x x x x x consultant's recommendations by first re- aiming the lights for a one week trial basis to see if this meets the needs of the homeowners and athletic groups. If this is not satisfactory, the fields should be relocated and the lights re -aimed for a two week trial basis. If the problems continue to exist, then the consultant's third recommendation to change the lighting system be implemented. Unanimous. ( a In response to Chair Grant's concerns on lighting management, Nancy Beard reported staff is trying to remedy past problems and she explained the new automatic override system which automatically turns the lights off Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 9:oo P.M. and Monday and Friday at 10:15 P.M. There is no weekend use. The lights can also be manually turned on /off before that time frame. Dirctor'Whitley advised staff is attempting to educate users to manually turn the lights off when they are through using the fields. Commissioner Demmer asked when the Commission will have an evaluation and Director Whitley advised the Deparatment will act immediately and have a report for the Commission's November 6, 1990 meeting. Commissioner Konwiser recommended additional time management is needed on holidays. Director Whitley agreed and advised staff will handle this matter. Item #6 - Basketball Court in Channel Park Basketball Director Whitley reported notification was Court ChannelnPar6 made that this item would be reviewed at the Commission's October meeting. He also passed CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 3.rks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX out a letter received from Mr. Garvey, 205 43rd Street, which favors installing the court. Chair Grant explained that the half basketball court has been provided as a capital budget item and at this time the, decision can be reversed or approved. Chair Grant opened the meeting to Public Hearing and Ms. Meredith Butler, 4313 Channel Place, addressed the Commission in favor of a half basketball court. Her only concern was with parking problems, however, after consulting the City Manager, the City has agreed to either reconstruct her driveway or paint it red. I `. There being no further Public Hearing, Chair Grant closed the meeting to Public Hearing. Motion 'x Ayes x x K x x x x Commissioner Compton motioned to proceed with installing a half basketball court at the . proposed location in Channel Park. Unanimous. Item 07 - Enhancement of Jetty View Park Enhancement Chair Grant reported he spoke with Public of Jetty View Park Works and they pointed out that all changes presented on public right of way require an encroachment permit through their Department. Chair Grant opened the meeting to Public Hearing and Mr. Curt Herberts, 2290 Channel Road, addressed the Commission. Referring to the concrete which is part of the seawall, he suggested it be covered with dirt and made a berm. He also recommended City ordinances concerning wall and fence height be strictly enforced by the building inspectors. Mr. Brion Jeannette, architect for the Grasso residence, addressed the Commission. He ' presented the preliminary plan and explained the proposed landscaping concept and house location. one of the main issues is the fishermen who use the bench and cut bait, resulting in a dirty and smelly area. Another CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission . City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX issue is the proposed sidewalk which is subject to Public Works approval. In reviewing the plan, Mr. Jeannette stated their intent is to take the extension of the seawall down to grade level for security purposes and relandscape; relocate the fishermen; add a sidewalk; rebuild the wall; plant grass to the bulkhead; and raise the fence for security reasons. Director Whitley advised that raising the fence between the park and Grasso property would obstruct views and Chair Grant suggested using shrubbery in lieu of raising the fence. Mr. R.J. Mitchell, 2172 Oceanfront, addressed the Commission. He stated he favors Mr. 1 Grasso's improvements and recommends the proposed plan be accepted. He agreed the fishermen's bench is an attractive nuisance and that raising the wall or fence would restrict views. Mr. Chuck Ryffel, 2294 Channel Road, addressed the Commission. He, too, agreed the fishermen create a mess and that there is easy ,access to the fishing area -. He felt there is no way to keep people out without having a wall and it should be provided so there is no direct and easy access onto private property. He added that he hoped the turf areas would allow the landscaping to survive. Mr. Curt Herberts, 2290 Channel Road, addressed the Commission. Mr. Herberts recommended cactus type plants be planted in the planters and that bushes be added to keep the fishermen off the grass. He suggested a concrete rubble ramp be built out 15 =20 feet to move the fishermen down and make the area nice for everyone. Mr. Don Hammono addressed the Commission. Mr. Hammono spoke of the hazardous condition which / l exists at the bulkhead which needs to be addressed to protect children from falling. He felt the park is beautiful and would CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX benefit from the additional landscaping. Mr. Glen Davis, 2183 E. Ocean, addressed the Commission and spoke in favor of the proposed plan. He added that he would prefer access be limited. Mr. Chuck Ryffel, 2294 Channel Road, addressed the Commission and stated he favors moving the fishermen but-is against any more concrete in the bay. Mr. Al Grasso, 2296 Channel Road, addressed the Commission. He expressed his gratitude for his neighbors coming to the meeting. He felt there are not many parks with a view such as West Jetty View Park, however, the initial use has been taken away by the fishermen. Nobody can use the bench area and it is a constant cleaning problem. Mr. Grasso reported he is trying to enhance the park and make it more usable for the people, rather than having it a fishing hole. Referring to . the existing 1811 high bulkhead, he felt it has no structural value. He reported he would be happy to maintain the landscaping and bear the expense of moving the bench. Commissioner Konwiser pointed out Public Works requires 81 of the coping closest to the bay remain. In response to a question from Commissioner Herberts, Mr. Grasso pointed out no trees will be removed. Director Whitley advised that Department Policy is that the adjacent property owner pay for initial landscaping expenses, after which the City maintains the area. There being no further Public Testimony, Chair Grant closed the meeting to Public Hearing. During discussion, Commissioner Compton stated he had no problem with the sidewalks, fence and bulkhead. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches .& Recreation Commission Page 8 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Demmer suggested the fishermen be moved from the park to the jetty or else something be provided for them away from the park. She also stated she favors enhancing the landscaping and views and adding benches. She does not, however, like the idea of the sidewalk cutting into the view .park. Commissioner Vandervort felt the sidewalk is appropriate and favors the plan presented. Commissioner Herberts addressed the Commission and those present and asked if they felt there would be a conflict of interest on her part and, if so, she would refrain from discussion and voting. There being no response, Commissioner Herberts stated the bulkhead and issues such as certain sidewalks will have to be addressed by Public Works. She commented that she spoke with the Tidelands Administrator who stated there should be no problem taking the bulkhead to grade level. Commissioner Herberts also emphasized that this Commission's jurisdiction lies directly with the park itself. Commissioner Herberts stated she is in favor of the landscaping plan as the fishermen's area is smelly, filthy and unsanitary. Commissioner Herberts recommended a higher wrought iron type fence be added to the top of the legally allowed 3 foot wall between the park and Grasso property which would help the security situation and not restrict views. Motion x Commissioner Konwiser moved to approve the plan and recommend the architect and applicant pay special attention to the use of pycantha or natal plum at the location where the 18" curb wall abuts the bulkhead on the subject property. Commissioner Herberts amended the motion to �) include approval of plans only as they relate to the park under the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Department's jurisdiction; the remaining issues to be addressed by the Public CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Ayes ( j Mc )n Ayes arks, Beaches .& Recreation Commission Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX X x x x x x X Works Department. Unanimous. Item #8 - Council Policy I -22 Naming of City Council Parks Policy I -2� Chair Grant announced that Policy I -22, Naming Of City Parks, has been 'brought back for the Commission's review due to numerous requests for plaques in parks for those who have passed away. Director Whitley reported the subject policy has been reviewed by staff and it indicates what the City Council had directed the Commission provide, namely (1) It allows for naming of parks; (2) It identifies areas where plaques can be put; and (3) It allows site amenities to be dedicated in a park. Director Whitley further explained that when a site amenity is added, such as a drinking fountain or bench, it cannot have a plaque. Commissioner Konwiser felt the policy should be amended to specifically address plaques and that the word "dedicated" be clarified. Commissioner Demmer recommended sites need to be identified to place plaques for those who are not exceptional or distinguished. She also suggested other cities and counties be contacted to review their policies on the matter. Director Whitley advised he has made inquiries and many cities do not have such policies, however, some cities allow plaques any place. In the past, City Council has not encouraged placement of plaques in the City. Commissioner Konwiser recommended adding Item #G to state that commemorative plaques and monuments shall not be allowed. X Commission Compton motioned Policy I -22 be x x x X x x x referred to a subcommittee for review and brought back to the Commission. Unanimous. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Motion Ayes arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 10 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX At Commissioner Herberts suggestion, the Commission determined that the Park and Open Space Committee review Policy I -22 and that Commissioner Demmer attend in Chair Grant's stead. Item 09 - Tree Appeal 2027 Deborah Lane Tree Appeal Director Whitley reported that in talking with the homeowner, -Mrs. Wilcox first requested the item be continued and then decided the Commission should review it. Should her appeal be denied, she indicated she would appeal it to the City Council. Commissioner Herberts reported both the Tree Committee and staff recommended the tree be retained since it is a beautiful tree and there is no history of sewer problems. Commissioner Herberts moved the subject tree be retained. Commissioner Demmer, asked if the tree was diseased and Jack Brooks advised it is infected with an insect but is not diseased. X x x x x x x Unanimous. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #10 - Capital Projects i apital In response to a question from Commissioner rojects Taft, Director Whitley informed the Commission that both Little Corona and Inspiration Point are under construction. Commissioner Compton inquired about dressing rooms at the Theatre Arts Center and Nancy Beard replied they will be recommended for next fiscal year. Item #11 - Goals and objectives Goals and Commissioner Konwiser stated he felt spending Objectives CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 11 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX a lot of time on the Goals and Objectives report was not all. that necessary and it would take a lot of work to follow through when things seem to be running smoothly. Commissioner Vandervort referred to Page 2, Item 7, and recommended the word "where" be inserted to help clarify the sentence. She also referred to Page 5, Item 7, about offering registration through a charge payment system. Nancy Beard explained a fee would be attached and that this use of payment has raised revenues in other cities. Referring to Page 8, Commissioner Vandervort pointed out that objective 2 of the Parks and Open Space Committee also includes the full Commission. On Page 9, Commissioner Vandervort recommended the dates following Items (a) through (e) under Item #6 be deleted. Commissioner Herberts questioned Item 8 on Page 8 referring to reducing Commission tree removal time. Chair Grant explained the concept is to reduce the Commission's time on appeals by giving them more review at the subcommittee level. Commissioner Konwiser questioned Item 4 on Page 2 referring to the Parks Division's objective to reduce water by 200. Jack Brooks explained the Division feels they can make this reduction where water is wasted and still have green parks. Commissioner Konwiser referred to Objective #1 of the Tree Committee on Page 7 which states Policy I -12, Obstruction of Views by Trees, be clarified. Since I -12 has now been deleted, Commissioner Konwiser felt there is presently no view policy and urged Policy I -12 be reconsidered since it has been used to justify a number of problem areas, more recently those on Larkspur. \ Following discussion on ordinances and CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Motion Ayes arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 12 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Policies as they relate to views, Commissioner Vandervort moved to bring Policy I -12 back as X x x x x x an action item.. Unanimous. Commissioner Demmer referred to Item 3 on Page 9 and suggested new projects be added. It was determined that Cliff Drive Park and Newport Shores Park be added as Items (d) and (e). Item 012 - Park and Street Tree Division Park and Item #12 was addressed following Item #9. Street Tree Division Commissioner Herberts questioned a tree removal not approved by the Tree Committee and Jack Brooks explained this was done because root pruning was not sufficient to solve the Problems. Commissioner Herberts requested replanting on the median parking lot at the Balboa Pier. Item 013 - Recreation Division Recreation Nancy Beard reported the information for the Division winter brochure is due October 5 which includes a message from the Commission. Commissioner Demmer asked about the continuation of the travel sports wagon and Nancy Beard explained staff is still determining if it will be continued at Newport Heights for a few days during the school year. Item #14...- Communication Received Bonita Creek Park, Dan Rabun Received d Director Whitley reported Mr. Dan Rabun, who spoke at the Commission's September 4 meeting on Bonita Creek Park, has sent another letter dated September 14 to the Commission. Mr. Rabun took his issue to the City Council and they have asked for additional data. Director Whitley passed out a letter just received from the Newport 'Beach Junior All CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches .& Recreation Commission Page 13 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX American Football Association wherein they are instituting policies to relieve the noise and parking problems during their use,of the park. Commissioner Vandervort reported she went to Bonita Creek Park on Saturday morning and felt they are doing a good job reducing the noise. In addition, although many cars pass Mr. Rabun's• home,. most do not go into the park. She also did not see any illegally parked cars and felt the noise level was minimal. Commissioners Compton and Herberts agreed that when they were there, they saw no problems and felt the program to be very worthwhile. V. COMMISSION COMMITTEES Item 015 - Tree Committee Tree Committ Commissioner Herberts, Chair of the Tree Committee, reported they met September 26 and addressed nine removal requests, four of which are Carobs and have termites. Jack Brooks will pursue. Item 016 - Recreation Program Committee Recreation Commissioner Compton, Chair of the Committee, Program Committee reported they met and reviewed four policies for minor clarification. Item #17 - Parks and Open Space Committee Parks and Commissioner Vandervort, Chair, reported they Open Space Committee met and discussed North Star Beach. Director Whitley reported he met with several members of the Dover Shores Community Association and some controversy exists. When the capital improvement process starts, North Star Beach will be included and the Association notified to provide input for the Commission's consideration. L Director Whitley passed out the Park Facility Inspection Reports that staff completes every 3 months which shows what occurs after CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 14 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX inspections. Commissioner Vandervort announced the Commission's Facility Inspection Reports. are due next month. In addition, policies and objectives for November will be reviewed by the Park and Open Space Committee along with a special meeting to review Policy I -12. Item #18 - Beach Committee Beach Committee Commissioner Taft, Chair, reported they met September 20 to review minor changes in the volleyball regulations. Commissioner Taft reviewed his report submitted, noting that the word "both" will be deleted under Item 3 in Procedures for Installation Approval. The Marine Safety Department requested changes be made between 40th -44th Streets due to the heavy concentration of courts in this area in order that access be easier for emergency equipment. As a result, the committee determined the court at 4105 Oceanfront be moved to the end of 41st Street and the court at 4307 Oceanfront be moved to the end of 44th Street and all courts be moved out to a point at least 5o feet from the .adjacent property line. Commissioner Vandervort questioned if it were not an informal policy not to put courts in at street ends where there is a lifeguard station. She also felt that Rental Resident /Owner should not be included on the Application for Court Installation. Commissioners Taft and Konwiser concurred. Nancy Beard advised that both owners and rental residents are notified regarding court removals and installations. Chair Grant questioned if the proposed relocations will require the notification CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 15 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX process. Director Whitley agreed stating that they also need to be posted. Motion Ayes x x x x x Commissioner Compton motioned that the Beach x x Committees recommendations be approved with the exception of the proposed relocations to be reviewed at the Commission's November meeting after posting; and that Rental Resident and Owner be deleted in the Application for Volleyball Installation. Unanimous. Commissioner Compton recommended steel poles, which the volleyball players favor, be used if these courts are moved. Director Whitley will pursue. j Commissioner Vandervort suggested a review be made of the cost effectiveness of metal poles since there is deterioration in those installed one and a half years ago at Corona del Mar Beach. Item 019 - Oasis Liaison Oasis Liaiso Commissioner Demmer reported the bids for the garden relocation were too high, therefore, the Parks Division will do the job. She also reported an additional $100,00o cost increase will be requested for the Oasis expansion. Chair Grant referred to the green belt area near the parking lot across from Oasis and asked the Tree Committee to review planting trees at this location. Director Whitley advised the community association had adamently opposed trees be planted at this site. Item #20 - Theatre Arts Center Liaison heatre Arts Commissioner Compton reported the Commission enter Liaise is invited to complimentary tickets on Tuesday and Sunday nights. The Theatre has taken over CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches .& •Recreation Commission Page 16 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX the Recreation Room and converted it into a dressing room. Cabinets have been put in the old dressing room. VI. SPECIAL URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:40 P.M. c) The agenda for this meeting was posted on September 25, 1990 at 10:30 A.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. Dottie Flohr, Secretary ( I \C l